GHHS to perform ‘Legally Blonde: the Musical’

GRAND HAVEN TWP. — After months of rehearsals, the cast of “Legally Blonde: the Musical” will take to the stage.

The Grand Haven High School production will run 7 p.m. June 1-2 in the school’s Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets will be sold at the door.

The production has a PG-13 rating.

Although the musical is similar to the 2001 big-screen movie, some of the elements are changed, said director Rita McLary.

The show follows college student Elle Woods, whose boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, breaks up with her because he’s going to attend law school and doesn’t see her as part of his future. Determined to get him back, Woods works to get into the same law school. Eventually, she works hard and becomes a lawyer.

Since the production is modern, the music is a track instead of an orchestra.

Eight students will work backstage as 21 other students sing and act on stage. While there are lead roles, 11 students make up an ensemble who play the several roles throughout the show.

With the smaller cast, McLary said they have a chance to build relationships, investigate characters a little more and help students grow.

Senior Kennedy Quirin brings to life the bubbly personality of Elle Woods. Quirin, who has been in musicals since first grade, said it’s the first time she’s been in a leading role, and she’s been rehearsing and working with a vocal coach.

“It’s so much fun,” she said. “I absolutely love it.”

When the spring musical was announced, senior Nick Vance said he jumped at the chance to be involved.

“Something about this show being so original drew me to it,” he said.

Vance, who plays Emmett, helps Elle find herself.

Senior Andrew Barney, who plays Warner Huntington III, said he loves his character, and it’s a fun show with a “crazy plot.” Over the last four years, Barney said he’s enjoyed learning about theater and in return teaching underclassmen what he’s learned.

“It’s an exciting way to finish out my senior year,” he said.

The upcoming musical will also be the final production senior Erik Livingston will have a hand in at GHHS. The show’s student director and stage manager, he has been involved in almost every GHHS production in the past four years.

Livingston said the commentary between lead roles Elle and Warner is entertaining, and it’s fun seeing the characters progress throughout the show.